All Lions Publisher Weighs In On 6 Players Lions Could Draft In First Round

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The week leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday has already been quite eventful.

The fluctuating sports betting odds for the top pick add an extra layer of intrigue to the Detroit Lions’ first-round selection.

With the No. 2 and No. 32 picks at their disposal, the Lions possess a remarkable opportunity to significantly enhance their roster and create a major impact.

After solidifying his position as the favored pick for the No. 1 spot, Georgia defensive end Travon Walker has now shifted the spotlight towards Detroit at No. 2.

John Maakaron, the publisher of All Lions, Sports Illustrated’s FanNation team site, shares his insights on potential players that he believes Detroit might choose before the first round concludes on Thursday.

Possible No. 2 selections for the Detroit Lions

At No. 2, the Lions swiftly approach their first pick, presenting an opportunity to acquire a game-changing playmaker.

“The Detroit Lions front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes, has done an exceptional job of keeping their plans for the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft under wraps,” Maakaron expressed. “There are multiple potential draft prospects that could address the team’s needs on both offense and defense, giving them great flexibility. It was widely expected that the Lions would prioritize improving their pass rush by selecting one of the top edge rushers after the 2021 season. However, as the offseason progressed, the team also had valid arguments for focusing on a game-changing player in the secondary due to injuries suffered by their defensive backs.”

Here are three names that you might hear at the No. 2 position:

Aidan Hutchinson

Initially expected to be chosen as the top pick, the Michigan defensive end now stands out as the undisputed frontrunner for the second selection.

As of Wednesday morning, he is being listed by some oddsmakers with an impressive odds of -300, making him a strong favorite.

With a towering height of 6-foot-7 and weighing 260 pounds, the rush end showcased an impressive performance in 2021 with 14 sacks and 62 tackles, guiding the Wolverines to the Big Ten Championship. Being a native of Plymouth, Michigan, Hutchinson appears to be a perfect match for the Lions under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell.

“Hutchinson is the coaching staff’s top choice, as he showcases the ideal personality and work ethic that would greatly benefit Detroit’s locker room,” Maakaron remarked. “Being a hometown favorite, he is well-positioned to achieve a successful and fruitful 10-year NFL career, making him the frontrunner for landing in Detroit.”

Kayvon Thibodeaux

Thibodeaux, hailing from Oregon, is a 6-5, 260-pound defensive end who possesses all the necessary physical attributes to excel as a pass rusher in the NFL.

Nevertheless, Thibodeaux’s enthusiasm for the game raises some doubts, and recent reports have suggested that Campbell did not approve.

Thibodeaux was quite impressive in 2021, recording 49 tackles and seven sacks while playing for Oregon. Currently, his chances of being selected as the second overall pick fall within the odds range of +225 to +350.

“Although there have been doubts about his work ethic, Thibodeaux is commonly recognized as one of the top pass rushers emerging from college,” Maakaron stated. “If Hutchinson is not available, there is a high probability that this skilled defensive lineman will end up in Detroit. General manager Brad Holmes may not have made numerous trips to evaluate draft prospects, but he and several Lions’ staff members made it a priority to travel to Oregon and witness Thibodeaux’s pro day firsthand.”

Malik Willis

The Lions could truly make a statement in the NFL Draft by selecting the agile quarterback from Liberty University, standing at 6-1 and weighing 215 pounds.

Willis had an impressive 2021 season, with 2,857 passing yards and 27 touchdowns. In addition, he showcased his athleticism by rushing for 878 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns.

During the Senior Bowl, Detroit closely observed Willis, who is currently listed at -155 by BetMGM Michigan as the top choice for the first quarterback selected in the draft.

Although the Lions have received commendation for their starting quarterback, Jared Goff, Holmes has expressed his willingness to draft a quarterback who can serve as a backup to Goff.

According to Maakaron, the quarterback position is widely considered to have a standout prospect, and Detroit might consider taking a chance on the fast-paced signal-caller. Willis possesses natural talent, but he would need to spend a season on the sidelines to grasp the speed and dynamics of NFL offenses. Although Willis faced difficulties with turnovers in the relatively straightforward Liberty offense, it is uncertain whether Detroit will ultimately choose him in the draft, but it remains a possibility at this stage of the evaluation process.

Possible picks at No. 32 in the NFL Draft

The Lions are likely to find the real intrigue towards the end of the first round.

Detroit has numerous positions of need, giving them the flexibility to go in various directions with this pick, including the possibility of trading it.

If Detroit decides to remain where they are, there are three potential names that could be announced to conclude the first round.

Nakobe Dean

Dean, a linebacker hailing from Georgia, stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 225 pounds. In the previous season, he made a significant impact by recording 72 tackles, six sacks, and two interceptions. Dean’s exceptional performance played a pivotal role in guiding the Bulldogs to victory and securing the national championship title.

Dean’s draft position is currently listed as 30.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The odds for the over are -130, and the under is at +100.

Dean is also listed as a -225 favorite to be selected in the first round of the draft.

Dean must definitely be on Detroit’s radar as linebacker is a position that the Lions are in desperate need of.

Maakaron expressed the hope that Dean would be available for Detroit at the 32nd spot. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 225 pounds, the talented player has the capability to greatly enhance the productivity of the team’s linebackers. Maakaron believes that selecting Dean at No. 32 would be an excellent decision for Holmes and the rest of the team.

Quay Walker

Walker, a linebacker from Georgia, boasts an impressive stature, standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing a solid 240 pounds.

Walker’s impressive performance during Georgia’s championship season included 63 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Standing at an imposing height of 6-foot-8 with a remarkable speed of 4.52, he emerges as a highly sought-after prospect for the Lions, given their lack of depth in the linebacker position.

Walker’s draft position is set at 32.5, with +105 odds for the over and -135 odds for the under.

DraftKings has also listed him at -135 odds to be selected in the first round.

According to Maakaron, Detroit needs to enhance their linebacker position. Despite bringing back Alex Anzalone and having hopes for Derrick Barnes’ development, the team still requires an upgrade. Many experts consider Walker to be one of the top tacklers in the whole draft class.

Treylon Burks

Burks, a receiver hailing from Arkansas, boasts impressive physical attributes at 6-3 and 225 pounds, making him an ideal big target that the Lions are eager to acquire.

Despite Amon-Ra St. Brown’s impressive performance as a rookie in the slot position, the Lions remained deficient in terms of downfield playmakers for Goff to target.

Is it realistic for the Lions to anticipate Burks staying with the team, given that he fits the desired characteristics?

DraftKings has set his Over/Under Draft Position at 23.5, where the Over option is listed at -105 and the Under option is listed at -125. Additionally, his chances of being selected in the first round are currently at -650.

Maakaron emphasized the importance of Detroit’s search for playmakers to support Goff’s improvement in the upcoming 2022 season, surpassing his performance in his initial Lions campaign in 2021. Despite Burks’ average workout numbers, his game tape reveals an exceptional ability to impact the game. Joining forces with St. Brown and the rest of Detroit’s receiving corps could facilitate a seamless transition to the NFL for Burks. Given the right offensive system and quarterback, Burks possesses the talent to consistently deliver impactful plays.

You can catch the beginning of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network. If you’re interested in more information about the draft and the Detroit Lions, make sure to explore our Lions Draft Guide.

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